Union City falls in District 3 final

NAUGATUCK — Union City Little League’s 11- and 12-year-old all-stars reached the District 3 championship round, but were eliminated by Seymour last Friday.

Seymour raced out to a 7-1 lead and held off a late UCLL rally to win the district title on July 13 in Shelton. Union City fought back in the sixth.

Colin Sheedy led off with a homer, while doubles by Corey Grohs and Andrew Gentile with a great bunt by Hunter Allison jumpstarted a three-run spurt.

“We saw some very good talent out there, but this team proved they belonged,” Union City manager Chris Sheedy said.

Union City went 4-2 in the double-elimination tournament and knocked out both Shelton teams, Derby and Peter J. Foley. Both of Union City’s losses were to Seymour, who won the first matchup, 4-2, in the opening game of the tournament.

In that game, Fran Phelan started and kept UCLL in the game with relief from Grohs. Nate Goodall had three hits.

In its second game, Union City held off Peter J. Foley in a 4-3 victory. Goodall and Grohs pitched for UCLL, who built a 4-0 lead. The team received two hits each from Joel Guzman and Goodall.

Josh Saddig and Logan Lowe pitched for Foley, who were lead by T.J. Henry, Logan Lowe and Nick Texeira with hits.

UCLL beat Derby, 6-4, behind the pitching combination of Phelan, Anajai Mtume and Sheedy. After building a 6-0 lead behind hits from Guzman, Goodall and Sheedy, Derby battled back before Union City ended the game with a double play.

Kyle Soucy pitched a great game and smashed three hits in a 9-6 over Shelton American. Mtume added two hits and Sheedy had two hits, including a two-run homer.

In the loser’s bracket final, Union City defeated Shelton National, 10-4, to advance to the finals. Phelan pitched a gem with relief from Goodall.

Goodall also produced three hits including a two-run homer, while Sheedy had two doubles, a single and five RBI. Phelan added three hits, including two doubles.

Even though the team didn’t bring home a title, Chris Sheedy said the team had accomplished plenty.

“We wanted to make sure the players knew how proud their families and coaches were of their effort,” Chris Sheedy said.

UCLL also received solid play from Matt Pimpinelli, Jacob Smith and Nikolas Mayo. Every player had a role.

“The coaching staff was very impressed by how well everyone got along on the team,” said Chris Sheedy, who was assisted by coaches Ken Grohs and John Smith. “Everyone knew what they had to do and played well for each other.”

Prospect eliminated in sectionals

The Prospect Little League 9- and 10-year-old all-stars were eliminated in sectional play this week after winning the District 3 championship two weeks ago.

Prospect went 0-3 in pool play and failed to advance to the championship round. The team’s losses came to North Stamford, Fairfield National, and Berlin.

The tournament was held in Milford at its National and International little leagues.